Riverside City College's College Corps Program Empowers Students Through Service and Leadership
Riverside City College (RCC) is proud to be recognized in the San Diego Voice & Viewpoint article highlighting the impactful work of the #CaliforniansForAll College Corps program. The article features RCC student Gabriel Graves, who exemplifies the program's mission by combining his passion for technology with a commitment to community service. As a member of RCC's Math Engineering Science Achievement (M.E.S.A.) program, Gabriel's journey underscores RCC's dedication to fostering student growth through service and leadership opportunities.
Balancing his artistic pursuits with academic ambitions, Gabriel finds fulfillment in contributing to the community through the College Corps. He reflects, “Being part of College Corps means waking up every day knowing that my time and efforts are helping others. It’s about realizing that your life isn’t just your own—people are counting on you.”
The College Corps initiative at RCC offers students like Gabriel a unique blend of academic support, hands-on experience, and financial assistance, empowering them to make meaningful contributions to the Inland Empire community. Through this program, RCC continues to cultivate a culture of civic engagement and professional development among its students.
The inaugural cohort of the College Corps at RCC comprised 15 dedicated students who collectively completed over 450 hours of service each. Their efforts culminated in a celebratory event at the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art and Culture, where they were honored with stoles and certificates of completion. Notably, RCC student Kaya White exceeded expectations by completing over 1,000 hours of service, exemplifying the program's spirit of commitment and excellence Riverside Community College District.
The College Corps program not only alleviates financial burdens by providing up to $10,000 in stipends and scholarships but also equips students with invaluable real-world experience. Participants engage in meaningful work across various sectors, including education, food security, and climate action, thereby enhancing their resumes and fostering a sense of civic responsibility.
RCC remains committed to supporting initiatives like the College Corps that empower students to become leaders and change-makers. Through such programs, students like Gabriel and Kaya are not only advancing their academic and professional goals but also making significant contributions to the Inland Empire community.